Snooker royalty in Kai Tak for World Grand Prix

English former world champion Mark Selby expressed willingness to apply for Hong Kong residency as the World Grand Prix 2026 snooker tournament opened on Tuesday at Kai Tak Arena.

The event brings together 32 of the sport’s biggest names, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, and reigning world champion Neil Robertson.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui noted at the opening ceremony that hosting the Grand Prix enhances Hong Kong’s reputation as a premier destination for international sports and contributes to the city’s sporting legacy.

Selby, a four-time world champion, swept past Ireland’s Aaron Hill 5-0 in the first round and praised the warm hospitality he received in Hong Kong.

Asked about the growing number of snooker stars taking up Hong Kong residency, Selby admitted he could imagine doing the same.

In other matches, last year’s runner-up Stuart Bingham was eliminated after a 5-2 loss to fellow Englishman Elliot Slessor.

Xiao Guodong upset world No 2 Kyren Wilson 5-2, while Zhou Yuelong defeated Stephen Maguire by the same scoreline.